gi» e life. He tells us, "The Son qiiickeneth whom he will." Lir^ is tlie highest and greatest gift that can be bestowed. It is precisely that thing that man, with all his cleverness, can neither give to the work of his hands, nor restore when taken away. But life, we are told, is in the hands of the Lord Jesus, to bestow and give at His discretion. Dead bodies and dead souls are both alike under His dominion. He has the keys of death and hell. In Him is life. He is the life. (Jolin i. 4. Rev. i. 18.)
He asserts, in the last place. His own authority to judge the world. " The Father," we are told, " has committed all judgment unto the Son." All power and authority over the world is committed to Christ's hands. He is the King and the Judge of mankind. Before Him every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess that he is Lord. He that was once despised and rejected of man, condemned and crucified as a malefactor, shall one day hold a great assize, and judge all the world. " God shall judge the secrets of man by Jesus Christ.'' (Rom. ii. 16.)
And now let us think whether it is possible to make too much of Christ in our religion. If we have ever thought so, let us cast aside the thought for ever. Both in His Own nature as God, and in His ofiice as commissioned Mediator, He is worthy of all honour. He that is one with the Father, — the Giver of life, — the King of kings, — the coming Judge, can never be too much exalted. " He that honoureth not the Son, honoureth not the Father that sent him."
If we desire salvation, let us lean our whole weight on this mighty Saviour. So leaning, we never need be afraid. Christ is the rock of ages, and he that builds on Him shall never be confounded, — neither in sickness, nor in death, nor in the judgment-day. The hand that was nailed to the cross is almighty. The Saviour of sinners is *' mighty to save." (Isaiah Ixiii. 1.^